New Report by GoodShape Reveals Critical Impact of Employee Absence on NHS Care Delivery

GoodShape, the UK's only platform proven to reduce absence, has released its latest report titled, “The Impact of Employee Absence on Care Delivery in the NHS.” The report, featuring an incisive foreword by Professor Manoj Ramachandran of Barts Health NHS Trust, delves into the concerning trends in employee absence and their impact on patient outcomes across the NHS.

Drawing from extensive analysis of NHS Workforce Reports and GoodShape’s own proprietary data, the report uncovers a staggering £4.3 billion annual loss for the NHS attributed solely to employee absence.

The NHS is grappling with a surge in serious health issues among staff, leading to record-high levels of sick leave. Full-time employees are increasingly unable to attend work due to chronic, recurring conditions, exacerbating the strain on an already stretched public healthcare system.

Key findings from the report include:

• £4.3 billion annual cost of employee absence, impacting productivity and the delivery of patient care.
• High levels of sick leave among full-time NHS staff, with long-term conditions such as mental health and musculoskeletal issues being the primary drivers.
• Correlation between employee absence and poor patient outcomes across treatment waiting times, A&E response times, and cancelled operations, highlighting the urgent need for improved absence management strategies.

Speaking in his foreword to the report, Professor Manoj Ramachandran states:

"While increased investment is crucial, reform is equally important to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NHS. The Labour Party’s 10-year plan offers a potential roadmap for reform, focusing on expanding the GP workforce, improving access to appointments, and shifting care closer to home. However, simply pouring more money into a broken system without addressing the root causes of inefficiency and staff absenteeism will not solve the crisis."

The report also provides actionable insights for NHS Trusts, offering a roadmap to reduce absence rates and improve employee health. By addressing the underlying health issues and implementing better absence management practices, the NHS can alleviate financial strain and enhance the quality of care for patients.

Download the full report

To explore the detailed analysis and discover solutions to the NHS staffing crisis, download your free copy of “The Impact of Employee Absence on Care Delivery in the NHS” here.

About GoodShape

GoodShape is the UK's only platform proven to reduce absence, helping large organisations to manage employee health, reduce absence costs, and enhance workplace productivity. With innovative data-driven insights, GoodShape empowers employers to build healthier, more resilient workforces.